8 Fall Hikes Near Colorado Springs

Seeking fall bliss? Immerse yourself in a world of color as you explore the changing aspens near the Colorado Springs area. Here’s a list of our favorite fall hikes near Colorado Springs.

1. Seven Bridges

The perfect fall weekday hike. The trail, a little more than 1½ miles one way, follows North Cheyenne Creek through a shady forest. Once you’ve reached the seventh bridge, you can continue 0.4 miles to reach Jones Park, where you’ll find aspen-filled meadows.

If you go: Park atop North Cheyenne Canon Park, above Helen Hunt Falls. The trail, marked No. 622, starts a little more than a half-mile west of the parking lot.

2. The Crags

The beautiful rock formations for which this trail is named aren’t the only reason to bring your camera. The roughly 4-mile round-trip hike offers stunning views of Pikes Peak, distant ranges and the colorful foliage below.

If you go: Going south on Colorado 67, be on the lookout for sign pointing to dirt track on your left.

3. Dome Rock State Wildlife Area

For those looking for a challenge, the park’s 10.5-mile loop features canyons, meadows, a creek dotted with beaver dams, spectacular views of Pikes Peak and vast aspen groves — plus, the starring attraction: the enormous granite Dome Rock.

If you go: Go 5 miles south on Colorado 67 to Rainbow Valley, then run right onto County Road 61. About 2 more miles to the access road. No dogs.

4. Mueller State Park

Check out the park’s 55 miles of trails and upwards of 5,000 acres of meadows and forests. For the best aspen views, hike the 5½ -mile Cheesman Ranch Loop.

If you go: Daily admission $8 per vehicle. No dogs.

5. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Another sprawling state park, with a spectacular new destination waiting to be seen. Should you take on the 15-mile round trip on the Dixon Trail to the top of the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a seemingly endless meadow of aspen. Much gentler options are the Blackmer and Sundance loops.

If you go: Daily admission $8 per vehicle. No dogs.

6. Catamount Trail

Starting in Green Mountain Falls off U.S. 24, this hike will take you about 2 miles to South Catamount Reservoir along Pikes Peak Highway. After some uphill switchbacks, the trail winds through the Garden of Eden, home to a slew of aspens.

If you go: The walk to the trailhead adds nearly a mile to the trip each way. Park near the lake and take Hondo Avenues to the trailhead.

7. Rainbow Gulch

An easy 4 mile out-and-back trail high in Pike National Forest — with added mileage if you decide to continue on the shores of Rampart Reservoir.

If you go: In Woodland Park, turn right onto Baldwin Street at McDonald’s. After about 3 miles on the street, turn right onto Loy Creek Road. After 1½ miles, turn right onto Rampart Range Road. In 2 miles, see the trailhead and parking area to your left.

8. Lost Creek Wilderness Area

For something more adventurous, set a course to the Springs’ nearest wilderness area. The drive alone will leave you breathless. Then there are the trails splashed in aspen. The Goose Creek trailhead is a good launch point.

If you go: On U.S. 24 west, continue through Florissant and Lake George. Turn right onto County Road 77. After about 7 miles, turn right onto Matukat Road, which becomes Forest Road 77, which becomes Forest Road 211. Another 11 ½ miles to trailhead. High-clearance/four-wheel drive vehicle recommended but not required. Dogs on leash.

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